Karteros beach

Located at the east exit of Gorge Karteros, 7km from Heraklion, the Bay of Karteros is a destination of cultural and historical importance. Named after the Byzantine General Krateros, who attempted to liberate Crete from the Saracens in 824AC, the bay has seen significant development over the years, with two villages – Karteros and Amnissos – now merging together. Boasting a beautiful beachfront with fine golden sand and shallow waters, the bay is a popular destination for tourists, with many nearby hotels, restaurants and beach bars.
The bay is particularly renowned for its northern winds and wavy waters. It is divided into several sections. Florida is the least crowded, located adjacent to the airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” and 7km west of Heraklion. The old Church of St. John and St. Nikon Metanoite, built inside a large cave, is a must-see in the area. The main beach of Karteros, located in the middle of the bay, is well-developed and has many beach bars and the Municipal Beach of Heraklion. Xenia is located a few meters east and is named after an old hotel, which has been abandoned.
The hill of Paleohora, east of Xenia, is a destination of archaeological interest, with the ruins of the ancient town Amnisos, a Minoan harbor and several buildings, as well as an outdoor ancient temple where Zeus Thenatas was worshipped, and a Minoan villa from 1600BC with remarkable frescoes. The nearby beach of Amnisos is well-organized and less crowded than the rest beaches. Visitors can also swim at the small islet Monocharako, 300m north of the beach, but must remain cautious as there are many urchins.
Tobruk, the last part of the bay, is located even further east and is known for its many fish taverns and hotels. The beach is well-organized but if visitors seek privacy, they can walk to the east, where the beach gets rockier and there are no facilities around.